What other travelers are saying about Kiyomizu Kannon
Kiyomizu Kannon-dō, built in 1632, is one of Tokyo’s older temple buildings, and a surviving remnant of the former Kan’ei-ji temple complex, which once had many structures. 
The temple is modeled after Kyoto’s famous Kiyomizu-dera — it was designed to evoke similar feeling (though on a much smaller scale) and houses Buddhist deities such as Senju Kannon (“Thousand-armed Kannon”) and Kosodate Kannon, the protector of childrearing. 
The “Circle Tree” / Moon Pine (Tsuki no Matsu)
Probably the single most iconic feature here. A pine tree whose trunk has been trained or curved (and replanted in the modern era) into a circular loop, framing the view beyond. It has strong visual and historical resonance, since the original tree was depicted in Hiroshige’s One Hundred Famous Views of Edo.
Old and charming Buddhist temple right at the entrance of Ueno Park. Much history from the Battle of Ueno is here. Also the iconic circular moon tree can be used for a photo. Beautiful temple hall and goshuin is offered here as well.
One of the greatest viewing spots in Ueno Park. The pine tree whose branches are made like a full moon and frame the Shinobazunoike Bentendo. In winter, there are less tourists and it is easier to take pictures.
Nice temple, and the view through the circular tree is very cool. They offer goshuin. It was a little quieter than the nearby temple surrounded by ponds, but it's a little less impressive.
This was the first shrine we visited, the oldest in Japan, built in 1632. Almost 400 years ago! I was captivated by its dark, quiet interior, with a noticeable smell of old wood. One of the walls had a painting from 1878 depicting the Battle of Ueno, which took place ten years earlier in the same place.
Here we also got our first goshuinchō, which are notebooks for collecting stamps (goshuin) from different temples and shrines.
Outside, the The Moon Pine, restored in 2012, frames the path to Shinobazu Pond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cherry blossom season in late March to early April and autumn foliage in November offer the most scenic views. The annual Doll Memorial Service occurs in mid-September. Weekday mornings are less crowded.
A visit typically takes 20 to 30 minutes to explore the main hall, wooden veranda, and offer prayers. Most visitors combine it with other Ueno Park attractions.
No. Kiyomizu Kannon-dō in Tokyo was built in 1631, modeled after the larger and more famous Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto, which was established nearly 1,000 years earlier. Both feature similar raised wooden platforms, but they are separate temples.
The temple is located in Ueno Park near the Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Zoo, Shinobazu Pond, Toshogu Shrine, and Bentendo Temple. All are within walking distance.
